Phil Peckinpaugh, director of the Muncie Animal Shelter, said his staff received a complaint about the condition of animals at Thomas' home, and found a "very skinny" German shepherd chained outside.

That dog and another canine were suffering from what were later determined to be yeast infections, leaving bare patches of skin on their bodies.

A third dog, found inside Thomas' home, was "in the best shape," Peckinpaugh said.

Thomas acknowledged his pets had not been examined by a veterinarian for an extended period "because of the cost," according to a Muncie Police Department report, adding he had been "trying home remedies for the fur."

The Muncie man declined to surrender the dogs to the animal shelter, Peckinpaugh said. Police were then called and the canines were seized.

The animal shelter director said the German shepherd — renamed "Sable" by shelter staff — weighed 70 pounds, and was a "big dog" that should have weighed close to 100 pounds.

Peckinpaugh said he had "no doubt" the shepherd wasn't being fed enough, noting that Sable "ate very quickly" when offered food at the shelter.

The dogs, also suffering from ear infections, were being treated by a veterinarian on Friday. Peckinpaugh said the animals could "absolutely" be returned to good health.

"We've already had (rescue organizations) contact us (about the German shepherd)," he said.

After reviewing the condition of the dogs, city police on Thursday night decided to arrest Thomas.

The Muncie man "started having a panic attack when he was informed that he was going to jail," according to the MPD report. He was examined at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital before being taken to the Delaware County jail -- where Thomas is employed as a corrections officer.

He was later released on bond.

Contact news reporter Douglas Walker at (765) 213-5851. You can also follow him on Twitter @DouglasWalkerSP.